The Malay Host

Today was a tiring day for Andrew (although the tire was of his own doing). He was in Batu Caves for a photoshooting, of which it is done at the residence of the main guy - the Chef who was commissioned to cook for the job. He was a great Malay gentleman.

Andrew had always liked to enjoy being a guest to a Malay host. They have always been known for their incredible hospitality towards any guests regardless of race and religion. They treat you like a royalty even though they might not have met you ever before. Today was no different.

The chef himself was a cool guy, even for someone his age (and his food setting - great!). It has been quite some years since I have visited a Malay family and this is a very refreshing start, it truly made me feel that we are really living in a harmonious multi-racial country after all.

Some of my friends are not very fond of them, all I can say is that they lack the understanding of a true orang Melayu because as far as I know they are one of the friendliest people in Malaysia. Also to note the fact that the younger, urban breed Malay youngsters who have no respect for their own culture - they mix with their own group and are very hostile towards anyone else, even of their own race.

If thats what you think of the orang Melayu - you probably just met the black sheep of a very big herd of pure whites.

Blanklou in Singapore

Yes. Andrew is in Singapore for the past... day and will be leaving like the next day.

Which might not be a bad thing for him. Mostly because

• He forgot to set roaming options for his mobile
• He did not bring over his laptop
• He had jobs undone
• His aunt did not had broadband (although it is posted in spore it is done old skool - dailup)
• No kaki and car to bring him clubbing
• No idea where to club
• No ciggeretes
• Ciggeretes are EXPENSIVE
• Everyone is either speaking Mandarin, English or Hokkien. Cantonese is hard to come by
• TV shows are dubbed in Mandarin

Its fun though. The last time he was here was like over 5 years ago and he did not had a chance to be running around shopping and checking out chicks. Turns out this place is very organized, too organized for his liking, but he might get used to this place though. It seemed that he likes it.

The only problem would be that everywhere seemed to be a no smoking area. Andrew smokes you know. Not a compulsive one but he might crave for a stick or two sometimes. Might be a good place for him to start quittin.

Andrew wants to go Cafe del mar. Its in Santosa Island and its far away. Anyone wants to bring him there?

Andrewic Idea 0001

Days aren't treating Andrew very well, it has been bad news daily for the past week, but things are finally getting better.

Too good that it is a bit scary in fact.

During a recent trip home from KL, he encountered five traffic lights - ALL of them were green. Andrew is afraid of being lucky, 'cause every time it does, it means something bad is coming his way.

Anyway, he is very looking for his next paycheck because he is going on a major shopping spree.

Speaking of which, he believes that marketing is EVERYTHING, so much so that you need to know how to sell yourself to be able to be successful. And there are so many jobs out there that requires you to sell yourself very well, and a lot of people working such jobs never notices this. One such industry would be the begging industry.

Andrew would like to propose a revolution in the begging industry to be more creative in their begging strategies apart from that usual begging in the torn clothes and broken mug (they got creative by getting grandmothers to act as if their child dump them in the supermarket selling pens and stuff). It is getting boring and people are not buying these strategies anymore. You guys need to sell yourselves better! Be the top of the industry!

To struggling beggars, Andrew had the best idea that would most probably help you, at least for the month of December - when everyone is getting their bonuses.

Since Christmas is coming, you could always beg in one of these:


a Christmas stocking

And err, get a bigger one with a bigger opening (so its easier for people to put money in). These would work better if you are begging outside a church, with all the Christmas spirit going about. You could always apply this on other celebrations like angpows for Chinese New Year and green packets for Hari Raya. Make sure it is a oversized packet though (so you can store more coins and get more attention).

Better still, get a t-shirt saying "Would love some spare change for Christmas".

And this time, try to invest your earnings - you might get rich begging. Comment me if it works, ya.